Hi guys,Our own ExcitableBoy is just back from the hospital, and has it really tough at the moment. He's been dealing with a systemic fungal infection for a few years now and it has completely incapacitated him. While he's sleeping, and temporarily free of pain, maybe we can send some well wishes his way from our corner of the alpine web world.

The first time I climbed with ExcitableBoy was on Orbit, on Snow Creek Wall in the Washington Cascades. I'd never been on an alpine 5.8, and was intimidated to get to climb with him, with trips to Alaska and winter attempts on Johannesburg under his belt. He taught me so much in that one day, but what always shines through with him is his smile, his joking around and that he notices little things about what you are doing or thinking, and has the exact right words handy to give you confidence.

Lately he's given back to us with articles like Alpinism 101, and always had good advice for people on the forums here. Sadly I didn't get to climb with him in 9 years, but here are some pictures from that time:

On the North Ridge of Forbidden Peak, a 20 hour extravaganza car to car, done with much laughter and good feelings:

Approaching Chair Peak's North Face, here he is introducing me to winter climbing in the Cascades:

Here he is on top of Chair Peak, indicating how he feels in the mountains:

My thoughts and prayers are with him and his wife R.. He's been told there isn't a cure for this kind of infection, but I don't see any harm in us putting in some thoughts that way. Doctors don't know everything.Thanks,--Michael

The hardest climbs we will ever encounter throughout our lives have absolutely nothing to do with any Rock, Ice or Snow. It is times such as this one that we can dig deep and draw from the experiences we have had in the hills.

From what I've read about him, he seemed like a very skilled climber. My prayers go out to him and those involved.

This quote goes out to ExcitableBoy:"Life is NOT a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming -- ’WOW, what a ride!!!"

POSITIVE vibes sent, fer sure...more info, eh? what is the exact diagnosis? since this is already public domain stuff.

-

I don't know enough to say beyond "systemic fungal infection." ExcitableBoy may be able to (if it makes sense for him) go into more detail, but the problem with this issue is it's maddening complexity. Just google it and you'll come across huge variety of outcomes, severity, cures (or lack of cures). Best,--Michael

I have used her products and found them to be very good. She does not have EB's illness listed on her site, but I see a reference to it (I think) in a PDF that she sent to me in the past. EB might try calling to get an email address that Dr. Foster will read and send her an email. Or go to see her in LA.